Meteorologist

US Bonneville Power Administration; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Bonneville Power Administration seeks a Meteorologist to forecast weather for renewable energy operations and inform the regional grid. You will develop models and provide data to support hydroelectric stability and energy planning.

The role emphasizes applying advanced meteorological methods and communicating findings to stakeholders and decision-makers.

Qualifications

• Experience forecasting operational weather using advanced meteorological concepts and statistics.
• Proficiency with weather forecasting software systems (e.g., AWIPS).
• Knowledge of wildfire risks and atmospheric variables for safety and land management.

Responsibilities

• Develop operational weather forecasts for hydroelectric and energy-demand planning.
• Create products for hydrologic planning or energy demand and provide briefings to stakeholders.

Skills

Operational weather forecasting

Statistical methods

Weather data analysis tools

Stakeholder briefings

Education

Meteorology / Atmospheric science degree

Calculus

Differential equations

Physical science electives (hydrology, statistics, etc.)

Tools

AWIPS / weather data analysis

Job description

This position is within the Bonneville Power Administration's Power Services, under Generation Asset Management, Power and Operations Planning, and finally, Weather and Streamflow Forecasting. Join a mission-critical team as a Meteorologist whose forecasts directly guide renewable energy operations for the regional power grid. In this role, you will develop cutting-edge weather models and provide data that ensures the stability of our hydroelectric system.

BASIC REQUIREMENT:

1. Degree: meteorology, atmospheric science, or other natural science major that included:
   1. At least 24 semester (36 quarter) hours of credit in meteorology/atmospheric science including a minimum of:
      1. Six semester hours of atmospheric dynamics and thermodynamics;*
      2. Six semester hours of analysis and prediction of weather systems (synoptic/mesoscale);
      3. Three semester hours of physical meteorology; and
      4. Two semester hours of remote sensing of the atmosphere and/or instrumentation.
   2. Six semester hours of physics, with at least one course that includes laboratory sessions.*
   3. Three semester hours of ordinary differential equations.*
   4. At least nine semester hours of course work appropriate for a physical science major in any combination of three or more of the following: physical hydrology, statistics, chemistry, physical oceanography, physical climatology, radiative transfer, aeronomy, advanced thermodynamics, advanced electricity and magnetism, light and optics, and computer science.

* There is a prerequisite or corequisite of calculus for course work in atmospheric dynamics and thermodynamics, physics, and differential equations. Calculus courses must be appropriate for a physical science major.

or

1. Combination of education and experience -- course work as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level [GS-11] in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as experience 1) developing and preparing operational weather forecasts by applying advanced meteorological concepts and statistical methods to improve forecast accuracy; 2) using weather forecasting software system (i.e. AWIPS or other data analysis platforms; and 3) knowledgeable of wildfires and the atmospheric variables to assess, predict, and mitigate wildfire risks and behavior in support of public safety or land management. This experience would involve creating products for specific operational needs, such as hydrologic planning or energy demand, and providing briefings to stakeholders.

"Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills; and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.